This phrase is often used to invalidate genuine emotions. When a child is hurt, confused, or upset and is told they are overreacting, they begin to question their feelings. The result is emotional suppression and a deep-rooted fear of vulnerability. Children may learn to bottle up sadness, anger, or fear to avoid being ridiculed or punished for expressing it. In adulthood, this can manifest as emotional numbness, anxiety, or difficulty forming healthy emotional connections. Being labeled as “too sensitive” teaches that feelings are inconvenient, rather than valuable signals to be acknowledged and understood. It is one of the most common ways emotional manipulation hides in plain sight.
